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“What Are You Doing, Maverick?!”

October 14, 2010 by James Lawrence Leave a Comment

The Maverick flying car I’ve blogged about in the past has been all over the news lately for having trumped the competition by being the first to market with a viable land/sky vehicle (it’s ASTM certified SLSA #110), at a viable price ($84,000), and in a functional, and dare I say it, wildly fun way. *** Maverick climbs out with gustoTechnically, it’s classified in the powered parachute category (PPC), eminently logical since that’s what it is! *** Maverick is in essence a four-wheeled dune buggy with a big pusher prop, rugged off-road suspension, and an easily-deployed paraglider-like canopy that gives the car it’s airborne capabilities, but stows neatly on top of the car when more earthly thrills, or a visit to a third-world native village to do good works, (its design “mission”), are desired. *** Dan Johnson put up a broader post on it recently, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to share this fun video again of the Maverick in action (scroll down to the end of this article). Very impressive the way it handles the sandy road, and there are other vids of the test program and airshow visits too. *** Since it’s approved by the DOT (Dept. of Transportation) for travel, you’re good to go on land and in the air. *** As far as the water, I’d assumed it couldn’t be fit out with floats due to the difficulties (impossibility) of launching a wet para-canopy. Au contraire, airheads. *** Two for the road In fact, there are floats too, for “river crossings.” Given the unimproved terrain capability the Maverick was designed for, this is an important capability. *** I thought about this for a couple seconds then had a Homer Simpson “Doh!” moment: We don’t need no steenking parasail canopy at all! Just drive the vehicle onto the floats and boat over, using the prop for thrust, to the other shore or around a calm bay or lake. Launches on water with the para-wing on land should be possible, too… but I would imagine tricky, which means lots of folks will be trying it. Should make for some interesting YouTube moments down the road. *** It’s no doubt illegal to drive a prop-boat around on some lakes but that’s another galaxy to explore on the local level. *** Anyway, now I can say, “Maverick: for land, sea, and sky.” Even cooler. *** Maverick without it’s Ninja suitAnother attraction for non-pilots should be how easy it is to transfer skills they already have: steering with a wheel and using a foot pedal for power. *** As diehard PPC pilots will tell you, a few hours of basic airmanship training are all it takes for this Everyfolk vehicle to be safely flown. Of course, complete Sport Pilot training is required to fly it legally, but while you’re training, nothing to keep you from blasting around in the boonies, eh?  *** Wired Magazine reports that Itec, the parent company, says government and law enforcement agencies are looking into the Maverick. *** Seems logical with all the viable applications for this simple flying vehicle: fence line perimeter patrol for ranchers; spotting fires; patrolling pipelines and power lines; flying out to car rallies in the boonies, of course; and civil air patrol spotting at a much lower cost… being able to lope along at what are near-stall speeds for typical GA airplanes could be a real boon for search and rescue. *** With the immense popularity of paragliding and the natural, if not entirely accurate, association people make between parachutes and safety, the Maverick could be a real sleeper that attracts a lot of buyers. *** —photos and video courtesy Itec

[UPDATE 1/15/10]: EAA recently added their own

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Aerolite 103 is a remarkably well priced (way below $20,000), well-equipped, Part 103 ultralight that flies beautifully. Several hundred are airborne and production has never been more solid. Here is an airplane every pilot can love and afford.


US Sport Planes offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.

Flight Design USA imports CT, one of the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in American and the world. CT is 98% carbon fiber |with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment ...a market leader for many years!

SportairUSA imports the dashing and superbly-equipped StingSport S4 that has won a loyal following from American pilots. More recently, they introduced their TL-3000 high-wing LSA. SportairUSA is a full-line operation with maintenance and training, too.

Just Aircraft has delivered more than 300 kit aircraft since 2002, but in 2012 they electrified pilots with the awesome performance of their all-new SuperSTOL. It may look extreme and performs extremely well, but it is truly docile and forgiving to fly.

Vickers Aircraft has created one of the most distinctive new LSA seaplanes yet to emerge. Powered by the 180-horsepower Titan IO-340CC by Continental Motors, their Wave model is like no other seaplane ever introduced with multiple features to set it apart from the crowd.

Tecnam is the world's leading manufacturer of Light-Sport aircraft offering more models and variations than any other producer. Besides the world's fastest-selling light twin and their new P2010 four seater, Tecnam offers these LSA: P-92 Eaglet, Astore, and P2008.

Hansen Air Group represents recognized brands in the LSA|space: FK Lightplanes and their distinctive biplane Comet, FK9, and FK51 plus the great-flying Magnaghi Sky Arrow. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Hansen Air Group is an experienced player in the LSA space.

AeroJones Aviation builds the very popular CT-series of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.

Aerotrek Aircraft imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.

The Airplane Factory (TAF) produces the Sling series of world-circling aircraft (literally) and now this fine-flying, all-metal beauty is available in the United States as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Here is an LSA to follow.

SilverLight Aviation created the first all-American gyroplane with modern sophistication and equipment, built by a proven expert. Gyroplanes like AR1 fly much like fixed wings but with real advantages.

Sonex Aircraft is one of aviation's best-known brands offering exciting performance, easy building, prices to match the budgets of most pilots, and you will do business with some fine people. Taking years of success to new heights, Sonex debuted the "B" models with numerous upgrades.

Lockwood Aircraft is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.

Bristell USA distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.

Aeromarine-LSA offers the remarkably well-priced Merlin PSA, a fully enclosed, all-metal single seater. Quick build kits are only $16,500; build time is a swift two weeks. A flying Merlin can be finished for under $30,000. Merlin performs most enthusiastically on a two- or four-stroke engine. Click to read more…

American Legend has been in the LSA space since the beginning, offering their iconic yellow taildragger. The Texas company offers a full line of LSA and kit-built aircraft including the 180-horsepower Super Legend HP.

Evektor is Number One and always will be. The Czech company's SportStar was the number one SLSA to win approval but engineers have steadily improved the model far beyond that 2005 version that started the race.

Glasair Aviation became famous for their Glasair series. Today the Washington state company is focused on the newer Sportsman in several varieties and on Merlin LSA. Later in 2017, buyers can buy a Merlin in fully-ready-to-fly form from this much-admired company renown for its top-tier customer service.

BRM Aero manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.

AirMax designed and manufactures a wonderful Light-Sport amphibious flying boat of the same name. Created in Brazil SeaMax is a beautifully finished, high performing aircraft, the first to win FAA acceptance as a SLSA and it sets a high standard for light floatplanes.

Aeromarine-LSA represents the Part 103 Zigolo, a dual-purpose ultralight and motorglider with prices starting at only $12,000, a genuine bargain among fixed wing, three axis ultralights. Powered by a gasoline engine now, the company is also developing electric propulsion. Click here to read more…

Aero Adventure offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.

North Wing is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.

Evolution Trikes developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.

BushCat is the distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget. With a solid heritage BushCat by SkyReach is fun, capable, and available as a kit, fully-built SLSA or ELSA.

Arion Aircraft has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?

Progressive Aerodyne designed and supplies the SeaRey series, arguably the most celebrated of all light seaplanes in America. A close community of hundreds of owners offers camaraderie few other brands can match.

Aeropilot USA ends your search for a Light-Sport Aircraft that is both familiar and new. Consider L600. This 80%-sized copy of Cessna's 182 is built with modern materials and well equipped but for tiny fraction of the cost of a new Skylane.




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